Driving in Norway

To drive in Norway you must:

• Hold a Norwegian driver’s license
•  Hold an International driver’s license or a full driver’s licence from you own country (this is only valid for a year, and you must contact the driver’s authority during your first year in Norway to convert your International driver’s licence to a Norwegian. If you don't, you must  take the entire driving course before you are able to drive in Norway).

You must carry that licence or permit with you whenever you are driving. If you forget you driver’s licence, you’ll get an instant fine of NOK 500.

If you do not have a legal driver's license, you are not permitted to drive in Norway.

Driving on the right hand side of the road 

If you are used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, it may take some time to adjust to the Norwegian system. Driving into intersections and roundabouts can be dangerous for foreign drivers. Norwegians signalwhen they are on their way out of a roundabout, whereas in Australia they signal on their way into a roundabout. It is also important to know where you place yourself in a roundabout with more than one lane. Please make sure you know how to drive in these areas before you start driving.

Seatbelts

You must wear your seatbelt at all times while driving or sitting in a car. The drivers are responsible for making sure that all passengers under 18 are wearing one as well (and children under 4 must be in safety approved child seats). You or your passenger will be fined if caught without seatbelt. 

Speed Limits

Norwegian speed limits are low compared to many other countries; this is because the weather conditions and types of countryside can make roads treacherous. The open road speed is a maximum of 80 kilometres per hour (kph), with the lower speed of 30 kph in cities/towns and built-up areas.

Please follow the speed limits and drive according to the road conditions. Speed and alcohol are the greatest killers on Norwegian roads.

Car Insurance

You need to insure your car, and we recommend you to insure yourself as well. For further information about driving in Norway, contact the nearest Directorate of Traffic.